STAMFORD Bridge player Lauren Winfield is celebrating after her first century in one-day international cricket helped England re-write the record books.

Winfield, who is also the Yorkshire women's captain, scored 123 as England reached their highest ever total (378) in ODI cricket and, in the process, secured a series victory against Pakistan.

Speaking to the Press, Winfield described the century as 'absolutely' the highlight of her cricketing career.

She also cited her switch to the top of the England batting order as one of the key reasons for the success.

"Before now, I have played in different spots but there have been a lot of changes recently that have opened up opportunities for younger players," she said. "Opening the batting is where I feel at home.

"It was nice to get the opportunity to play there and it was nice to repay people for giving me that opportunity."

Winfield's previous highest score for England in ODI cricket had been 31 against the West Indies three years ago.

On Wednesday, however, in the first game under new captain Heather Knight, she linked up with Tammy Beaumont (104) in a superb opening stand of 239 - another record for England in an ODI.

"Personally, it was nice to get three figures. The highlight of my career? Absolutely. It was a really good day for the team," she said.

Reflecting on her form, York-born Winfield said: "This is the best I have felt since not going to the World Cup. When that happened, it gave me time to re-assess where I was as a cricketer and to work on areas of my game that needed improving. I now feel like I am the best prepared I have been for a long time."

Although Winfield has not played for Stamford Bridge since last season, she still attends games regularly and has not ruled out playing again for the village team in the future. Next month she will also lead the Yorkshire Diamonds in the inaugural Kia Super League.

"Stamford Bridge is still my club - and I definitely wouldn't be playing for England now if it wasn't for them," she said. "I still go down on a Saturday, when I can, to support the guys and it will always be a club close to my heart.

"I have not played a game there this season but, hopefully, I will manage to play one. I might get another opportunity after this series. If there is an opportunity to play, I will take it."

Winfield will be travelling to Taunton ahead of England's third and final ODI against Pakistan when Stamford Bridge play Sheriff Hutton Bridge tomorrow in the Hunters Yorkshire Premier League North.

Second-placed York host a Yorkshire Academy team who are one place and five points behind them in the standings.

Top-of-the-table Harrogate, who lie three points clear of the Clifton Park hopefuls, are entertaining second-bottom Castleford.

Elsewhere, Acomb are at home to Scarborough with both targeting mid-table respectability with Woodhouse Grange and their hosts Hull harbouring similar ambitions.

Dunnington will be looking for their second victory of the campaign when they visit seventh-placed Driffield